J. Christopher Newman, HSM International
Phillip DeBruzzi, Navigant Consulting Inc.
Dr. Jin Li, HSM International
The planning of new or replacement hospitals is a complex process that demands the coordination of experts in business and financial planning, design and construction of buildings, medical equipment and hospital management. A failure to obtain the best possible advice in these areas will subject a project the project of the risk of future failure to fulfill the needs for quality health care of the patients seeking care.
The importance of following a discipline of the planning steps, shown in Exhibit 1, lies in the fact that the decisions that have the greatest influence on both the success and the cost of a project are made at its earliest stages, even before hiring an architect.
The further the project progresses, the more costly it will be to make changes in the project’s objectives, scope of services, or the manner in which it will be operated. Therefore, being certain on these factors – which are embodied in the strategic plan and the functional and space program – before starting design will ensure that the project has the best chance of meeting its stated requirements.
Project Phases
In order to clarify the context in which the revised scope will be performed, we have prepared the table presented below in this document to describe specifically the work produces needed for each scope element in the original TOR. These stages are as follows:
I. Project Definition. At the end of this stage, PUMCH will have a completed business plan, consisting of a marketing study, description and quantification of the clinical and educational services to be provided, and a financial feasibility analysis that projects the hospital’s performance for ten years from start-up. The modified Project Definition will be in accordance with U.S. document format which can be understood and evaluated by JCL consultant.
II. Project Brief or Functional and Space Program. This is a detailed description of the physical building, including its functional relationships, objectives in regard to how it will be used, as well as a detailed, room-by-room listing of the spaces. It is the document from which the architects and engineers will prepare their plans.
III. Architectural and Engineering Design. Usually in three phases of development – schematic design, design development, and construction drawing – the professional design team prepares the documents that detail the materials, dimensions, and appearance of the building, including its landscaping and placement on its site. A French company is hired for this portion of work.
IV. Construction and Commissioning. The design team, along with others who may be designated by the client, oversee the construction, and the hospital management team and medical staff leadership commission or start up the functions and systems that will be housed in the new building. It is during this stage that the detailed operating policies and procedures, job descriptions, performance evaluation criteria, and other management tools and practices are defined and documented.
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